Why Does My Child Mix Up Words?

It can be confusing when your child says things like, “Store go I” instead of “I go to the store.” This mix-up, called word order errors, is common in early language development. Young children are still figuring out the “rules” of grammar, and it takes time and practice for sentences to become clear and organized.

What’s Normal at Different Ages?

Ages 2–3: Children often speak in short sentences of two to four words. Word order may be jumbled, but they get their point across (e.g., “me go park”).
Ages 3–4: Sentences get longer. Children start to use more correct word order, but may still leave out small words like is or the (e.g., “dog running fast”).
Ages 4–5: Word order is usually consistent, though mistakes still happen. By kindergarten, most children can tell short stories that others can follow.
Red flags: If your child is 5 or older and it is still very hard to follow their sentences, or if frustration is high, it may be helpful to talk with a licensed speech-language pathologist.

How You Can Help at Home

Here are some strategies parents can use during daily routines. These do not require special materials, just your attention and a little creativity.

1. Model Correct Word Order

Children learn best when they hear how sentences should sound.

Step-by-Step:
1. Listen to what your child says.
2. Repeat it back with the words in the correct order.
3. Keep your tone positive, not correcting—just modeling.
Example:
Child: “Dog big is.”
Parent: “Yes, the dog is big!”

2. Expand Their Sentences

Add one or two words to what your child says.

Step-by-Step:
1. Start with their words.
2. Add the missing part to make it complete.
3. Encourage them to repeat after you.
Script:
Child: “I store go.”
Parent: “I go to the store. Let’s say it together: I go to the store.”

3. Play “Fix It!” Game

Make grammar practice into a playful challenge.

Step-by-Step:
1. Say a silly mixed-up sentence.
2. Ask your child to be the “teacher” and fix it.
3. Clap or cheer when they correct it.
Script:
Parent: “Car red the is.”
Child: “The car is red!”
Parent: “You fixed it! You’re the teacher!”

4. Use Books and Daily Routines

Books and routines give natural chances to practice word order.

Book Time: Pause while reading to let your child finish a sentence.
- You say: “The cat is…”
- Child: “Sleeping!”
- You expand: “Yes, the cat is sleeping on the mat.”
Daily Routines: Use bath time, meals, or bedtime to model sentences.
- “I am pouring the milk.”
- “You are brushing your teeth.”

5. Echo Practice

Encourage your child to repeat sentences after you in a fun, echo style.

Step-by-Step:
1. Say a short sentence.
2. Have them “echo” it.
3. Gradually make sentences longer.
Script:
Parent: “I like pizza.”
Child: “I like pizza.”
Parent: “I like pizza with cheese.”
Child: “I like pizza with cheese.”

Tips to Keep It Positive

Celebrate effort, not perfection.
Keep practice short and playful.
Use songs and rhymes—they naturally model word order.
Avoid correcting harshly—just restate the sentence correctly.

When to Seek Extra Support

If your child is school-aged and still struggles to put words in the right order most of the time, or if it affects their ability to tell stories and be understood, a speech-language evaluation can give helpful insight. Early support makes a big difference.

Takeaway: Mixing up word order is common when children are learning language. With modeling, playful practice, and encouragement, you can support your child’s growth at home.